America In Bloom Moves Forward With New Management Company

America In Bloom display bannerAmerica in Bloom (AIB) has announced that its professional management will be transitioning from AmericanHort to Second Wind Management effective Jan. 1, 2017. Since AIB’s founding in 2001, OFA (now called AmericanHort) has served as AIB’s home and has provided administrative leadership and support. Now that AIB has reached maturity and is self-sustaining, it is starting a new phase of programs designed to encourage economic development centered around horticulture, environmental awareness, heritage preservation, and volunteerism.

Second Wind Management, LLC is a Columbus, OH-based non-profit management company owned by Laura Kunkle, who currently serves as America in Bloom’s executive director through her employment with AmericanHort.

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“I’m looking forward to the next chapter in my career. I’ve been involved with AIB since Day 1 and am excited to help lead America in Bloom into the future through managing the organization via my own company,” says Kunkle. “Maintaining my long-standing relationship with America in Bloom is such an honor, and I thank AIB’s leadership for their trust and support.”

Katy Moss Warner, America in Bloom President, echoes the AIB Board’s appreciation for the support AmericanHort has provided to the organization.

“We thank AmericanHort for serving as AIB’s home for the past 15 years. It’s been a wonderful partnership, and AmericanHort’s support has allowed AIB to grow to the point that we can now explore new directions,” Warner says. “We appreciate the relationship we have had with AmericanHort. It was instrumental in helping us through our developmental years and we look forward to a continued strong relationship with this organization into the future.”

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AmericanHort President and CEO Ken Fisher says the industry’s support for AIB will be ongoing.

“AmericanHort is honored to have been intricately involved with the launch and early growth of America in Bloom. We support the mission and vision of AIB, and plan to continue promoting AIB,” Fisher says. “This program is essential for the horticulture industry, and we will continue to help AIB spread its important message.”

America in Bloom connects people to plants at the grassroots level, and educates and promotes the benefits of horticulture products and services. It is a volunteer-driven organization that depends on its active board of directors, professional judges, and others to fulfill its vision of creating communities across the country as welcoming and vibrant places to live, work, and play — benefitting from colorful plants and trees; enjoying clean environments; celebrating heritage; and planting pride through volunteerism.

Effective Jan. 1, 2017, the contact information for America in Bloom will be:
America in Bloom
P.O. Box 44005
Columbus, OH 43204
Phone: 614-453-0744
Email: [email protected]
AmericaInBloom.org

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